Special needs flotation device

ABSTRACT

A planar body board for supporting a special needs child in an aquatic environment provided with a cut-out adapted to circumscribe the child&#39;s waist, a seat section attached to the underside of the board and a back rest section which cooperate to permit the free movement of the arms, shoulders and legs of the child when partially submerged in the aquatic environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Special needs children are often unable to enjoy the water without being supported by an adult. Floatation devices currently on the market do not offer full and safe support for a child with special needs.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a safe and effective flotation device that enables those with special needs to sit with full support and be able to participate in water activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above and other objects are realized by the present invention, one embodiment of which comprises a relatively thin substantially planar body board for supporting a special needs child in an aquatic environment with torso above the water and legs submerged in water, the board being provided with a cut-out adapted to circumscribe the child's waist, a first section attached to the underside of the board configured to correspond to the shape of the child's seat as made up of the buttocks to the upper thigh region of said child and adapted to permit movement of the child's legs when partially submerged in the aquatic environment, a second section extending through the cut-out and attached to the first section and configured to correspond to the shape of the child's back as extending from the upper shoulders to the waist thereof, having a width that is sufficiently narrow to permit the free movement of the arms and shoulders of the child, and having sufficient buoyancy to support the child's back when partially submerged in the aquatic environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention shown in use.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a section view of the invention along line 4-4 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a flotation device adapted to comfortably and safely position a special needs child in water and enable the child to participate in water activities.

Referring to the drawings, the flotation body board 10 is provided with cut-out opening 12, which may be circular or polygonal, having a size that circumscribes the waist portion of the torso 38 of a special needs child 36. The board may be equipped with an optional flotation pad strap 14. A seat section 16 provided with openings/notches 18 to allow movement of the child's legs 40 below the level of water 42 is positioned below the cutout and attached to the board 10 via straps 20, equipped with male buckles 22, female buckles 24, strap length adjustment clips 26 and strap excess material retainer clips 28. The back rest section 30 is preferably attached to seat section 16 via seat back Velcro element 32 and opening Velcro element 44.

Although any suitable materials may be employed, the board 10 is preferably constructed of Styrofoam. The cut-out opening may be lined with any suitable material to prevent injury to the child. The back and seat are preferably vinyl fabric, and the straps, polypropylene. After the child is placed in the seat, the straps are adjusted and secured accordingly.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A relatively thin substantially planar body board for supporting a special needs child in an aquatic environment with torso above the water and legs submerged in water, the board being provided with a cut-out adapted to circumscribe the child's waist, a first section attached to the underside of the board configured to correspond to the shape of the child's seat as made up of the buttocks to the upper thigh region of said child and adapted to permit movement of the child's legs when partially submerged in the aquatic environment, a second section extending through the cut-out and attached to the first section and configured to correspond to the shape of the child's back as extending from the upper shoulders to the waist thereof, having a width that is sufficiently narrow to permit the free movement of the arms and shoulders of the child, and having sufficient buoyancy to support the child's back when partially submerged in the aquatic environment.
 2. The body board of claim 1 wherein said cut-out is circular.
 3. The body board of claim 1 wherein said cut-out is polygonal.
 4. The body board of claim 1 constructed of Styrofoam.
 5. The body board of claim 1 wherein said first section is removably attached to said board with multiple straps.
 6. The body board of claim 1 wherein said second section is attached to said first section. 